Movies can also provide great relief from grief, especially for kids. Grief is a complex and challenging emotion for children to navigate. Losing a loved one, experiencing separation, or facing significant change can be overwhelming for them.
As a parent, it is essential to provide support and guidance to help young kids process their emotions.
One effective way to initiate conversations about grief for children is through movies.
Now, Why Movies?
Movies offer a unique opportunity to explore complex emotions in a safe and relatable way.
They provide a shared experience, allowing children to connect with characters and storylines.
This connection fosters empathy, understanding and open conversation.
10 Movies to Help Young Kids Understand Grief:
For Younger Children
1. Inside Out
This animated masterpiece explores emotions, including sadness and loss, in a way that’s easy for young children to understand. It follows the story of Riley, an 11-year-old girl, as she navigates a significant change in her life – moving to a new city with her family.
2. The Lion King
This is a classic Disney movie that addresses loss, coping, and the circle of life.
The film follows Simba, a young lion prince, as he navigates the circle of life. After the death of his father, Mufasa, Scar tricks Simba into believing he’s responsible.
Simba flees, leaving Scar to take over the Pride Lands.
3. Charlotte’s Web
A heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and letting go, Charlotte’s Web is a timeless tale that has captivated audiences. It teaches children valuable life lessons about the power of friendship, love, and sacrifice.
The film is suitable for children aged 5-12, and its gentle pace and whimsical storytelling make it an enjoyable watch for families.
4. The Jungle Book
A live-action adaptation exploring loss, resilience and the power of community.
The Jungle Book (2016) is a live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, directed by Jon Favreau.
The film follows Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle, as he navigates the dangers of the wild and confronts the villainous tiger, Shere Khan.
5. My Neighbor Totoro
This whimsical animated film addresses sibling loss and the healing power of nature.
It tells the story of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother, who is recovering from illness in a nearby hospital.
For Older Children
6. The Fault in Our Stars
A poignant love story exploring mortality, grief and the importance of living—Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers with cancer. Hazel, a 16-year-old with thyroid cancer, meets Gus, a 17-year-old amputee with osteosarcoma, at a cancer support group.
They fall deeply in love as they bond over their shared experiences, dark humour, and passion for life. The film follows their poignant journey as they confront mortality, meaning, and the complexities of life.
7. Bridge to Terabithia
A powerful drama addressing loss, friendship and the complexities of growing up. Tragedy strikes when Leslie dies in an accident, leaving Jesse devastated. The film explores Jesse’s journey as he copes with grief, finds solace in their shared experiences, and learns to heal.
8. The Book Thief
This historical drama explores war, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Due to mature themes, war violence, and some emotional intensity, it is suitable for mature teenagers and adults.
The Book Thief has become a powerful and emotional portrayal of life during World War II, highlighting the importance of literature, hope, and human connection in the face of adversity.
9. The Lovely Bones (2009)
An emotional drama addressing grief, healing and the importance of memory. The Lovely Bones (2009) is a supernatural drama film about a 14-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, who observes her family and killer from the afterlife after being murdered and seeks to help her loved ones heal and find justice.
10. A Monster Calls (2016)
A Monster Calls is a fantasy drama film about a young boy, Conor O’Malley, struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis, who finds comfort and guidance through a mysterious tree monster that visits him at night.
Have You Read: 10 Amazing Movies Your Child Should Watch
Remember, when watching:
- Watch with your child: Share the experience to facilitate discussion and emotional support.
- Prepare your child: Briefly explain the movie’s themes and emotions to avoid surprises.
- Discuss the movie: Explore themes, emotions and character motivations.
- Validate feelings: Acknowledge and accept your child’s emotions.
- Encourage conversation: Create a safe space for open discussion.
Using movies as a conversation starter can help young kids develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of grief.
Helping your child navigate grief is a journey. Start the conversation today.
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